The newly elected Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (Zimura) board — voted in on promises of transparency, accountability and improved royalty management — has dampened musicians’ early optimism by delaying the announcement of its new chairperson.
What was expected to be a fresh start for the collective management organisation (CMO) has instead triggered mounting frustration among artistes, who allege that the board’s slow pace and muted communication are already contradicting its campaign pledges.
During the election period, the incoming board committed to greater openness, regular engagement with musicians and reforms to royalty distribution.
But artistes now say the momentum appears to be fading.
“We expected to find glory in the effort we made as musicians, but what follows are regrets because no change has been seen,” said Chiundura-based musician Nesbert Ushe, who described the situation as a recurring pattern in Zimura’s leadership transitions.
Several other musicians echoed similar concerns, saying communication between the board and artistes has been sluggish, while key priorities appear to have shifted.
A group of Gweru artistes, who requested anonymity, urged the board to act swiftly.
“It’s important that the board quickly reconnects with musicians if they are to retain the goodwill they gained during the campaign,” they said.
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“Musicians are desperate for positive change. At this moment, any small delay feels like a major setback. The board must communicate clearly and show progress before disappointment sets in fully.”
Artistes are now calling for an urgent public update from Zimura’s leadership, including a 90-day plan, timelines for reforms and a schedule for stakeholder engagements.
Meanwhile, the new board recently underwent orientation with Vertical Momentum, and Zimura played a key role as Zimbabwe hosted the annual regional meeting of the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC) Africa Committee (CAF) from 11–13 November in Harare.
A Zimura official, who declined to be named, said the board chairperson and deputy will be announced once internal processes are completed.
“We expect the announcement to be made at the next board meeting, whose date is yet to be set,” the official said.
The leadership delay follows the recent appointment of Chiedza Shoniwa as legal advisor and Evelyn Natsai Moyo as treasurer — two additions expected to strengthen a board previously criticised for being overly patriarchal.
Their inclusion brings the total number of board members to seven.
As Zimbabwean musicians continue to push for reform and better governance within the industry, all eyes remain on Zimura’s next move, which many hope will restore confidence and set the tone for a more transparent era.
